john hogan the county clerk say there is a rigorous procedure that involves both democrat and republic election officials overseeing them. >> we have a very thorough verification process so that anyone who should be able to vote and chooses to vote by mail their right will be preserved. they will be able to vote by mail. >> the ballots are kept secure in a locked and 24-hour guarded room with protection for restricted access. some say absentee ballots are the easiest way to commit voter fraud there have been absentee ballot prosecutions this year in at least 10 states. >> the board of elections people are overwhelmed during the time of an election, they sometimes don't have the time to compare the signature on the application to the sir -- to the signature on file. when that occurs, an be a an absentee goes out. >> another candidate used them to vote repeatedly for himself. in another the absentee ballot cast for the opposing candidate were simply ripped up and thrown away to steal the election. shep? >> shepard: eric shawn in new york. thanks. much more on the debate in a moment. an i